Put the beef, bones, onions, carrot, tomato puree and the seasonings on to cook with the water, and simmer slowly for 1 hour or until the meat begins to be tender. Wash the beets thoroughly with a vegetable brush, cutting the stem near the beet, then slice them very thin without losing any of the juice. Put them into the soup and simmer slowly another hour. Strain the soup without mashing the vegetables, if a clear soup is desired. Let it drain 20 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more sugar or lemon juice necessary. Serve either cold or hot, with 1 or 2 tablespoons thick sour cream added to the soup plate

Christmas is for Sharing... and Christmas.com, the Official Site of Christmas, helps families and friends share Christmas wish lists, traditions, recipes, gift ideas, music, and more. This year give the perfect gift, get what you really want, and share your Christmas spirit with the Christmas.com community around the world.